AGP Executive Report

AI & Film Policy: A new “Human Generative Workflows” push aims to bring generative AI into filmmaking “intentionally, not accidentally,” with Hollywood leaders and tech partners trying to protect the human creative process. Iowa STEM in the Spotlight: Iowa DNR is exploring environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling to track fish species and abundance without constant netting and electrofishing. Public Health & Access: Medical groups and patients sue the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, arguing the rules wrongly block coverage for vulnerable people. Iowa Tech & Safety Research: Iowa State researchers are studying how fire contaminants cling to firefighter protective gear and testing better decontamination approaches. Energy Costs: Diesel prices hit record highs around $6.51 per gallon as export-ban fears and global supply strain ripple into trucking and farm costs. Local Tech/Community: Iowa County Conservation is launching homeschool programs at Lake Iowa, starting with a prairie hike and seed-ball event. Education & AI Adoption: UI Health Care is rolling out an ambient documentation tool, reporting lower burnout and higher satisfaction with electronic health records.

Iowa farmland ownership debate: Researchers say the rise in LLCs, trusts, and corporations holding Iowa farmland is mostly about succession planning, not outsiders “taking over,” with 2022 figures showing 9% in LLCs, 6% in corporations, and 23% in trusts. Policy & costs pressure: Tariffs, higher diesel, and rising interest rates are squeezing U.S. manufacturers and trucking—an issue Iowa lawmakers are tying directly to farm income and export competitiveness. Data centers in Iowa: Kirksville is moving to tighten zoning for data centers after code gaps left the use effectively undefined, pushing the decision to a city council study session. Iowa health & research: Iowa State Extension is running a Parkinson’s education series starting Oct. 1 in Decorah, while Iowa City’s State Historical Society research center fight is heading to the courts after a judge ordered it stay open. STEM workforce: Iowa State’s engineering and business/tech career fairs kick off this week, plus an agriculture/life sciences career day later in October. Food tech in Iowa: PIC’s “Pork Chop Studio” uses computer vision to score pork quality more objectively than human-only methods.

Data Centers in the Midwest: Kirksville’s planning board voted to recommend new zoning rules that would limit where data centers can go and require special permits, with city council action expected later this month. AI + Power Demand: Iowa’s climate statement release points to soaring electricity needs driven by data centers and AI, while highlighting options from wind/solar to restarting Duane Arnold and adding other generation. Nuclear Funding Boost: NextEra secured up to $1.9B from the U.S. Department of Energy to restart Iowa’s Duane Arnold plant, targeting early 2029 and framing it as grid support for rising demand. Broadband Leadership: Waterloo Fiber named Robert Houlihan as CEO to expand the community-owned fiber network. Public Health Policy: FDA is embracing harm reduction more directly by authorizing additional vaping products, aiming to protect youth while giving adults safer alternatives. Health Costs Pressure: New reporting shows many patients win appeals after insurers deny prior authorization, underscoring how often coverage decisions get overturned. Agriculture + Energy Costs: Sen. Chuck Grassley renewed calls for diesel export limits as farmers face record fuel expenses. Local Tech/Industry: PIC’s “Pork Chop Studio” uses imaging and deep learning to replace subjective pork quality scoring with more objective data. Housing Snapshot: Zillow reports multiple Iowa counties seeing year-over-year home value gains, including Iowa County up 3.9% and Plymouth County up 4.2%.

Iowa Courts & History: A Johnson County judge ruled the State Historical Society of Iowa must keep a research center in Iowa City, reversing the state’s plan to close the Centennial Building and move collections to Des Moines. AI Policy & Safety: A new wave of AI debate is hitting politics head-on, with coverage focusing on whether the U.S. should add new guardrails or rely on existing law as leaders push an “AI force” approach. Neuroscience: University of Iowa researchers report how the brain’s frontoparietal network rapidly reroutes communication when rules change and uncertainty rises. Climate & Community: Dubuque’s Land and Water Fest returns Sept. 20 with climate author Bill McKibben, plus local conservation and agrivoltaics research showcases. STEM Education: Iowa-area attention also includes a broader look at teacher-prep funding and a court win that could affect grants nationwide. Housing Snapshot: Zillow data shows Iowa counties mixed results in August, with Dubuque up to $279,721 (+3.7%) while some rural counties declined.

Education & Law: A Johnson County judge ruled the State Historical Society of Iowa must keep a research center in Iowa City, reversing the state’s plan to close the Centennial Building and move collections to Des Moines—an Iowa-focused win for preserving public archives. AI & Policy: Reports say Trump is pushing an “AI Force” approach that leans on existing criminal and civil law rather than a new federal kill switch, while lawmakers elsewhere debate stronger safety requirements. Neuroscience: University of Iowa researchers found how the frontoparietal cortex rapidly reroutes brain communication when rules change, using brain imaging plus modeling to track decision-making under uncertainty. Climate & Community: Dubuque’s Land and Water Fest returns Sept. 20 with Bill McKibben, highlighting solar and climate policy through talks, art, and conservation displays. Iowa Economic Development: The Iowa Economic Development Authority approved tax credits tied to manufacturing expansion and startup support, including projects in Altoona and Ankeny. STEM Outreach: An EducationUSA fair in Mérida will feature Iowa State University and other U.S. schools, connecting Iowa researchers and programs to international students. Housing Snapshot: Zillow data shows mixed August 2026 trends across Iowa counties, with Dubuque up 3.7% and Buena Vista down 0.3%.

Iowa Economic Development: The Iowa Economic Development Authority approved tax credits tied to $246.5M in new capital investment and 346 jobs, plus support for two startups and several community projects, including manufacturing expansions in Altoona and Ankeny. University Efficiency: Iowa’s Board of Regents is moving ahead with a Revenue Enhancement and Productivity Study aimed at $35M in savings over three years, with a report due in February 2027. Data Centers & Power Demand: National coverage continues to spotlight how AI-driven data center growth is straining electricity demand, with Iowa framed as facing an “energy crossroads.” Public Records & History: An Iowa judge ordered the State Historical Society’s Iowa City research center to stay open, reversing a plan to close and shift collections. Health Policy: Health Care Week in Review highlights CDC restructuring tied to respiratory disease surveillance and congressional movement on health bills, including Medicare Advantage transparency. Cyber & Elections: U.S. officials warn Russia is using AI-enabled online influence to stir election chaos ahead of November. Local Tech/Ag Education: NICC hosted a Tri-State Ag and Dairy Expo for 400+ FFA students featuring robotics, dairy data skills, and safety training.

Court Victory for Iowa History: An Iowa judge ruled the State Historical Society’s Iowa City research center and archives must stay open, rejecting the state’s plan to close the Centennial Building and move collections to Des Moines. Ag Tech on the Ground: At the Farm Progress Show, farmers saw how AI, precision tools, drones, and automation are changing day-to-day field decisions. Manufacturing Expansion: Accumold in Ankeny won IEDA tax incentives for a 50,000-square-foot expansion that will add 150 jobs. Data Centers & Power: Iowa communities are responding to fast data center growth with local rules, as electricity demand strains the grid. STEM Pipeline: More than 1,600 Cedar Valley middle schoolers explored careers and tech at JA Career Inspire with 63 participating employers. River Tech: A live webcam at Locks and Dam 15 returned, giving the public real-time views of lock operations and bridge traffic. Health Access: Urbana Public Library rolled out telehealth capability via a state-supported program.

Cancer Research in Iowa: The University of Iowa is moving toward a new cancer-drug institute, CANDID, aimed at pushing lab discoveries into early clinical trials, with the Board of Regents taking initial steps and the plan calling for startup funding and cross-campus training. University Tech & AI Use: UI is testing AI tools for student and faculty use through a security-reviewed pilot process, aiming to match tools to real teaching needs rather than buying first and asking later. Water & Power Tech: A new Iowa-focused explainer on reverse osmosis for boiler makeup water highlights how RO can reduce corrosion and scaling versus softening alone, while stressing the importance of pretreatment and monitoring. Data Centers & Local Planning: Mississippi River mayors are pooling guidance as data center interest grows, focusing on how communities can protect water and utilities while evaluating proposals. STEM Education Growth: Grinnell College approved an Environmental Studies major plus a Semester at CERA program starting fall 2027, expanding hands-on research opportunities. Local Science Community: UNI received regents approval for the Chuck and Barbara Grassley Center to support civic education and stewardship of Grassley’s archives.

University of Iowa & Iowa State Projects: The Iowa Board of Regents approved multiple UI and ISU construction and upgrades, including UI plans to move ahead with major work like the Memorial Union parking ramp and Kinnick Stadium scoreboard replacements. AI Workforce Push: ISU is seeking $2 million for an “AI-Ready Workforce and Innovation Initiative,” while regents also backed new ISU graduate offerings, including a Master of Science in Machine Learning and Data Engineering. Civic Education at UNI: UNI won approval to create a center for public engagement, leadership development and archival stewardship, with a future naming tied to Sen. Chuck Grassley’s legacy. STEM for Iowa: Registration opened for the 2026 Iowa STEM Summit in Des Moines, aimed at connecting schools, industry and emerging tech. Energy Costs Hit Hard: Analysts warn gas and diesel prices could jump again as global oil disruptions intensify, with Midwest battleground states seeing sharp increases. Water & Health Basics: Iowa DNR highlighted SepticSmart Week maintenance tips, and a new Iowa Drought Monitor update shows about 15% of the state is abnormally dry or in drought. Local Tech & Public Safety: Iowa County UW-Extension faces major staffing cuts under a Wisconsin budget proposal, and Hawarden approved a regional emergency training facility plan for fire, EMS and law enforcement.

Iowa STEM & workforce: Registration is open for the 2026 Iowa STEM Summit in Des Moines on Nov. 6, with a “Where Bold Ideas Take Flight” theme, 40+ hands-on breakout sessions, and a focus on aerospace and career-connected learning. Cancer research in Iowa: The Iowa Board of Regents approved the University of Iowa’s Institute of Cancer Drug Discovery and Development (CANDID) plus new degree programs, aiming to speed promising cancer treatments from lab work into early clinical trials. Local education spotlight: Lone Tree teacher Jessica Howard was named Iowa Teacher of the Year for 2027, recognized for hands-on business and computer science teaching tied to real-world skills. Water quality & health: In Shell Rock, candidates Chris Jones and Shawn Ellerbroek discussed how nitrate and other water contamination concerns connect to health, including cancer risk, and what state priorities should be. AI and business context: A national AI commentary argues DeepSeek’s recent model releases undercut the “frontier AI” revenue assumptions U.S. companies have relied on. Tech in the classroom/community: Iowa State’s Cornell College and other campus updates highlight new faculty and research-facing programs, including a Des Moines University research symposium and young scientist track. Public safety tech: Des Moines police say a license plate reader helped identify and arrest a driver in a deadly hit-and-run. Health policy funding: Iowa’s nicotine tax law directs new revenue to pediatric cancer research at UI’s Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Engineering & Education Honors: Rowan engineering faculty member Melissa Montalbo-Lomboy received an Engineering Unleashed Fellowship for boosting entrepreneurial mindsets in hands-on engineering clinics. Iowa Higher Ed Expansion: The Iowa Board of Regents gave initial approval to new university programs, including an Iowa State machine learning master’s and other health/data-science initiatives. University Governance: Regents also reviewed the University of Iowa Center for Intellectual Freedom’s search for a permanent director, narrowing applicants to 11. AI & Data Centers in Iowa: Iowa researchers warn data centers are driving sharp electricity demand growth, putting the state at an “energy crossroads,” while Microsoft argues data-center growth must win trust with rural communities. Defense Tech: BAE Systems unveiled the compact “Shadow EW” electronic warfare family for smaller drones and munitions, using commercial AI and chips to keep costs down. Agriculture Tech & Policy: Bayer highlighted genome editing plus AI to speed next-gen crop innovation, and the Senate Ag Committee narrowly advanced the 2026 farm bill along party lines. Local STEM & Nature: UNI’s Botanical Center continues serving as a learning hub, while Heartland volunteers plant native pollinator gardens to reverse declines. Iowa Health Workforce: Des Moines University opened applications for a new Doctor of Medical Science program aimed at physician associates/assistants. Community Tech Access: A bill to require AM radios in every new vehicle cleared the U.S. House with Iowa lawmakers as co-sponsors.

AI Policy in Iowa: Iowa candidates are weighing whether to regulate AI as major AI firms call for slowing development until stronger guardrails are in place. Childcare & Workforce Tech: Danfoss and Learning Care are opening Everbrook Academy in Ames, a new 16,000-square-foot childcare center aimed at easing Iowa’s childcare shortage. Federal Grants Watch: A new analysis says the Trump administration has cut or frozen up to $177B in federal grants, with health, environment, disaster relief, and even Iowa minority-farmer support hit. Ag Tech & PFAS: States are suing to block Corteva’s split into Vylor (seed) and New Corteva (crop protection), arguing it’s designed to dodge PFAS liability. USDA Data Systems: USDA’s tech chief is shifting roles to help implement “One Farmer, One File,” a push to consolidate farmer records, with farmers.gov as the front door. Energy & Data Centers: Iowa scientists warn the state is at an “energy crossroads” as AI-driven data center demand grows, urging more wind/solar instead of coal. Water Safety: Researchers warn arsenic risk in Iowa private wells and offer free testing in select counties. Local Tech Governance: Lee County supervisors in Fort Madison are drafting a data center ordinance after public pushback. Manufacturing in the Quad Cities: Infiltrator Water Technologies plans a Davenport expansion focused on EZflow, adding about 25 jobs.

Energy & Climate: Iowa scientists say the state is at a “fork in the road” as electricity demand surges, warning that data centers are pushing utilities toward fossil-fuel expansion unless wind and solar get faster support. AI & Business: A new take on enterprise AI argues the real advantage isn’t the model—it’s the data architecture behind it, shaping what AI can access and how trustworthy results are. Local Education: Matt Smith was named permanent superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, as the district faces enrollment pressure and major modernization work. Healthcare Workforce: Mercy College of Health Sciences officially became Mercy Health Sciences University, aiming to expand training for Iowa’s growing healthcare needs. Ag Tech: Cover crop adoption keeps climbing in Iowa and beyond, with more producers using it for forage as well as soil benefits. Energy Infrastructure: Federal financing could restart Iowa’s Duane Arnold nuclear plant, adding steady power for AI and cloud growth. Public Health: Measles deaths keep rising in Pennsylvania, underscoring the importance of full MMR vaccination.

AI Policy & Politics: A pro-AI ad push is landing in Iowa and beyond, with a conservative group backing Sen. Susan Collins, Sen. Roger Marshall, and Rep. Ashley Hinson as lawmakers debate safeguards versus innovation. Local Tech & Education: The University of Iowa launched an Education Innovation Hub to help districts test new teaching tools and co-develop research with educators. Campus Digital Wellness: Two UI students started the “APPstinence Club,” offering phone-free study sessions and social meetups to cut down on screen time. Water & Public Health: Iowa’s 20th annual Water Conference is heading to the Iowa Great Lakes for the first time, adding a community track plus tours tied to Iowa Lakeside Laboratory. Agriculture & Water Management: The Tri-State Drainage Research Forum returns with a field tour and talks on drainage innovation and emerging water management tech. Iowa Meta Settlement: Iowa will receive about $126M from its Meta lawsuit, including a $25M restitution fund for teens and grants for schools to address social media harms. School Tech Debate: Wisconsin lawmakers are considering screen-free classrooms through 2nd grade, citing research on early learning. Nursing Workforce: Iowa State launched an online Master of Science in Nursing program with tracks in nursing education and population health. Data Centers & Community Concerns: Dubuque County is weighing a new data center ordinance after residents raised pollution, light pollution, and water-use worries.

Data Centers & Health: Dubuque County is weighing a new ordinance after residents raised concerns about data center pollution and light pollution, with health officials pointing to possible links to illness and urging research that matches local water use. Online Safety & Iowa Kids: Iowa AG Brenna Bird says the state will distribute $126M from a Meta settlement, including a $25M restitution fund for teens harmed on Facebook/Instagram and additional money for school grants and digital rescue/prosecution. STEM in Schools: Districts are expanding cellphone bans and now targeting AI smart glasses, which can be harder for teachers to spot and raise worries about cheating and covert recording. Conservation Win: A rusty patched bumblebee sighting in Marion highlights habitat restoration efforts by Monarch Research, offering hope for a federally endangered pollinator. Ag Tech & Water: A new regional look at wind and solar siting shows more counties adopting ordinances, while a separate Iowa report argues fertilizer profits are rising alongside dangerous nitrate levels in waterways. Healthcare Tech: Surgery Center Cedar Rapids marks 25 years of outpatient care and notes its move into robotics for same-day joint replacements. Workforce Training: Iowa’s neighbors in Nebraska got approved Workforce Pell programs for fast, job-aligned training in healthcare and IT. Local Education: Iowa State and other schools continue reporting enrollment and degree milestones, while Iowa teachers earn regional honors.

Nuclear Power Boost: The U.S. Department of Energy is backing NextEra’s restart of Iowa’s Duane Arnold nuclear plant with up to a $1.9B loan, aiming to bring the reactor back online by early 2029. AI & Compute Infrastructure: Qatar topped a new Compute Institute index for AI infrastructure competitiveness, and the ranking puts Iowa among the top U.S. states for hosting large-scale AI power-hungry projects. Mars Science in Iowa: A University of Iowa geology professor working with NASA’s Mars 2020 rover team helped identify corundum crystals on Jezero crater, adding new twists to how impacts shaped Martian geology. Clean Energy Grid Reality: A new report argues states like Iowa should speed up transmission buildout by using highway rights of way to cut congestion costs as demand rises. Cancer Vaccine Hope: A new study highlights how misinformation and hesitancy could blunt the impact of emerging cancer vaccines, even as early results look promising. Iowa Agriculture Planning: Iowa State Extension will host a Grain Harvest webinar Sept. 21 covering grain quality, harvest losses, and storage science. Severe Weather Watch: Midwest wildfire risk is rising as extreme conditions spread, with recent boreal fire seasons showing how quickly dry forests can ignite. Local Civic Tech: Iowa’s Secretary of State is urging high schools to register eligible students to vote through the Carrie Chapman Catt Award program.